Why RCAT Licensing Is So Important When Choosing a Texas Roofing Contractor
Your roof is undoubtedly one of your home’s most important components, and even minor problems or roof damage can quickly lead to major problems and potentially expensive repairs. Still, the fact that your roof is so important means it is vital that you don’t try to skimp and find a way to have any necessary repairs performed as cheaply as possible since this could end up costing you much more in the long run.
Roofing work is both dangerous and complicated, and attempting to work on a roof without the required knowledge, skills, equipment and experience is a recipe for disaster. Leaks, water damage and other potential problems are one major risk, but you also need to consider the safety aspect since falling from a roof can lead to serious injury or even death. For these reasons, it is essential that you don’t trust your roofing repairs to just anyone, and instead always choose a trained, licensed professional. With this in mind, here is everything you need to know about the RCAT license and the benefits that choosing a licensed Texas roofing contractor can provide.
Facts about the RCAT Licensed Roofing Contractor Program
The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) is the state’s association of roofing professionals, and its mission is to both provide consumer education and protection while also furthering the business interests of its members through licensing, continuing education and various other programs. As part of this, the RCAT Licensed Roofing Contractor Program was created in order to increase public confidence in the state’s roofing industry and better protect consumer interests.
Essentially, the RCAT focuses on attempting to regulate the industry by encouraging its members to voluntarily participate in the licensing program. This means that the RCAT license isn’t actually required to work as a Texas roofing contractor. Instead, the RCAT license is meant to give homeowners greater confidence that their chosen roofing contractor has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the work correctly and safely.
Qualifications Required for the RCAT License
In order to obtain the RCAT license, a roofing contractor must meet several important criteria. Since the license is actually given out to individuals and not companies, the first requirement is that the person must have been a principle (owner, partner, etc.) in a Texas roofing business for at least three consecutive years. As well, the person must submit three credit references and four business references to ensure the contractor is in good standing financially and with their customers, suppliers, etc.
Another major factor is showing evidence of sufficient financial responsibility, and this means meeting minimum requirements for general liability insurance or showing proof of that you can obtain at least a $100,000 bond or line of credit. This factor is hugely important since it helps protect you as a customer from any potential liabilities should any injury or property damage result from the contractor’s work. Without this, you could find yourself in huge financial trouble should your chosen roofing contractor not have the necessary liability insurance.
The Importance of Knowledge and Continuing Education
Simply meeting the above criteria isn’t enough to earn a contractor the RCAT license. Instead, they must first pass at two examinations in order to gain their license. The first exam focuses on basic business and safety knowledge, while the second examination is focused on the technical aspects of commercial and/or residential roofing.
Even after passing the exams, the contractor is still only licensed for a period of one year. At the end of this period, they must apply to have their license renewed and show that they still meet all of the same initial criteria. No examinations are required for license renewal, and instead, the contractor must show that have taken at least 8 hours of approved continuing education courses. When combined together, the exams and continuing-education requirements ensure that any RCAT-licensed contractor has the required knowledge and skills to perform the work correctly.
As an RCAT-licensed roofing contractor and also one of the state’s top-rated roofing companies, A Grade Roofing is an ideal choice for your roof repairs, replacement or other project. Serving the North Dallas area, A Grade Roofing offers a range of residential services that can help make your home more storm-resistant, energy-efficient and more aesthetically appealing.
